Latest update: Summary – the British Embassy in Juba is closely monitoring the political and security situation

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to South Sudan. If you have no pressing need to remain, you should leave if it’s safe to do so.

The British Embassy in Juba is closely monitoring the political and security situation as a result of recent changes in military leadership announced on 9 May 2017. The security situation in Juba remains unchanged. Violence continues in different parts of the country.

The security situation in Juba has been relatively calm since the July 2016 crisis, when fighting broke out across the city. However, there are daily reports of fighting throughout the rest of the country. Security is especially unstable in the Equatorias in the south.

Juba Airport is open and some commercial flights are operating. You should check flight schedules with airlines before travelling to the airport. Timings are subject to change at short notice.

The British Embassy is open. However, due to the security situation across the country, the Embassy’s ability to offer consular assistance is severely limited. If you choose to remain in South Sudan you should monitor this travel advice, subscribe to email alerts for updates and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You should also have a contingency plan for evacuation that doesn’t rely on support from the Embassy.

The economy is in a terrible position, which has led armed men to criminality and rent-seeking activity. It’s an extremely difficult environment for business and Non-Government Organisations (NGO) to operate. A British national was killed on a NGO compound in February 2015 and foreign expatriates have been subject to harassment.

There are credible reports of border incursions and engagements along all South Sudan’s borders. In March 2017 Ethiopia announced that it had sent troops across the border in to South Sudan to search for and bring back over 40 abducted children.

In the event of a serious deterioration in the security situation similar to those of July 2016 and December 2013, routes in and out may be blocked, the airport closed or inaccessible, and flights suspended at short notice. The main road connecting Juba to Uganda is extremely dangerous, with regular reports of car crashes and attacks on vehicles by armed groups.

If you choose to remain in the country, you should be vigilant of the local security situation, monitor the media and stay in a safe location. Most international organisations in South Sudan employ a security manager to monitor the situation and keep employees safe.

There is no official government curfew in Juba. However, British Embassy and most international organisations observe a self-imposed curfew, the timing of which changes in response to the situation.

The FCO’s ability to provide consular assistance is limited and we have almost no ability to provide assistance outside Juba. It will be especially difficult for the British government to provide consular assistance in the event of a further deterioration in the security situation. If you’re concerned about your safety, you should contact the FCO on +44 207 008 1500.

Before considering any travel to South Sudan you should read this travel advice carefully, keep up to date with the latest security situation and subscribe to e-mail alerts for updates to this travel advice. Any updates to this travel advice will be posted on the UK in South Sudan Facebook page and twitter channel. Make sure you have comprehensive contingency plans including a stock of essential supplies and up-to-date travel documents and visas.

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